As Hayern Aysor had reported, Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Aram Sheikh Mohammad had refused to read in parliament the statement of the Iraqi-Armenians on the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

First Vice-President of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki has expressed willingness to support the Iraqi-Armenians.

The statement of the office of Nouri al-Maliki of 21 April particularly reads as follows: “The first Vice-President of the Republic received yesterday leader of the Armenian Diocese of Iraq, Archbishop Avag Asadourian. He urged all the corresponding bodies to support the Iraqi-Armenians and overcome the difficulties facing them.”

The statement also emphasizes that “the needs of all sectors of the people of Iraq needs to be taken care of”.

Al-Maliki has expressed his willingness to support the Iraqi-Armenians, as well as religious minorities and has urged the Christians of Iraq not to leave Iraq since they serve as a major cornerstone in the country.

During the meeting, Archbishop Avag Asadourian expressed his willingness to Mr. Al-Maliki for his position, as well as for his support to all religious minorities, especially the Christians and the Armenians.